Tag: Origami

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General Origami Paper Tutorial

Step by step origami star tutorial with pictures

Origami star

Have a go at making this origami star! It may seem fiddly, so have a practice run first on a scrap square of paper to get the hang of it.

It’s a four-pointed star, so a lot of the folds you’ll be repeating the same thing 4 times on all 4 sections/layers (often 2 front, 2 back) – bear this in mind when following along.

You’ll need a square of fairly thin paper (if your paper is double-sided, start with the plain side facing up). Don’t forget to fold neatly and crease firmly!

  • Start with the paper square on in front of you.
  • Fold in half from top to bottom, crease and unfold, then fold in half from side to side, creasing well.
  • Open back out into a square
  • Turn the paper over, then fold from corner to opposite corner; again, do this both ways.
  • Open back out into a square.
  • Pick the paper up and press the centre upwards, bringing the edges down.
  • You should end up with a folded diamond shape, with open layers at the bottom.
  • Taking the top layer only, fold the outside bottom edge to the centre crease.
  • Repeat this step on all bottom edges, front and back.
  • Next, you’ll need to open up the folds you’ve just made and, using the creases from these folds, push them inside…
  • They should look like this!
  • Repeat with all 4 folds. You should have a lot of layers at the bottom now!
  • Using the top layer only (the long triangle at the bottom), fold the bottom point upwards.
  • Repeat for all 4 points in turn.
  • At this point, the model should end look like a triangle pointing upwards.
  • Take one of the bottom outside corners and fold it in to meet the centre crease.
  • Again, this step will need to be repeated with all 4 bottom corners in turn, so fold the front 2 up…
  • …then turn over and fold the back 2 up in the same way.
  • Pick the model up for the next step.
  • We’re going to open up the star, taking all 4 of the top points out and down.
  • It helps if you stick a thumb either side of the central point, to help you ease it open – the middle of the model should kind of lift and flatten into a square.
  • Press all the creases flat and you’re done!
  • Ta da!
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Craft Origami Paper Tutorial

Simple origami pencil holder – step by step tutorial with pictures

Learn how to fold a simple pen or pencil holder from a piece of paper! This origami tutorial gives you pictures with step by step instructions.

You’ll need a square of paper – I’ve used standard origami paper, which is 15x15cm and fairly thin, but you can cut a square from an old magazine, newspaper, or sheet of printer paper. You’ll also need some glue or tape.

My two main rules of origami are fold neatly and crease firmly; if you don’t have a creasing tool you can run the back of your thumb nail over the creases to make sure they’re nice and sharp.

Ready? Let’s fold!

  • If you’re using paper with a different pattern/colour on each side, start with the pattern you want to be on the outside facing down.
  • With the inner side of the paper facing you, set the paper square ready for folding.
  • Fold in half from side to side, bringing one edge over to meet the opposite edge.
  • Crease & unfold.
  • Taking one side, fold that edge to meet the centre crease you’ve just made.
  • Do the same with the other side, folding the edge over to meet the centre.
  • Unfold both sides. You should have three evenly spaced vertical creases.
  • Take the top right corner and fold down so the top edge meets the centre crease.
  • Take the top left corner and fold down to meet the left-hand crease.
  • The next step is folding it all up, using the existing creases. Fold the left-hand crease to the center…
  • …then fold from the center crease over to the left…
  • …and lastly, turn the model over, then fold the remaining flap over the back.
  • This is basically the model finished, but we’ll need to fix it together so your stuff doesn’t fall out! So, open it all back up…
  • Run a thin layer of glue along the bottom edge – where the arrow is!
  • Then do the same up the short side edge.
  • Now, just follow the steps to folding it all up, making sure you press firmly where the glue is to secure.
  • You can also use tape to hold it in place – you just have to fold it all up, then cut a piece of tape to fold over the bottom opening and another to tape up the side.
  • You’re done! If you’ve used a roughly 15x15cm square, you should be able to fit 3 or 4 pencils/pens in – but you can easily make bigger or small ones using different sized pieces of paper.
  • These make a really nice way of wrapping stationery to give as a gift.
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Craft Gifts Lunchtime Lusting Origami Tutorial

Gift for Geeks, Origami tutorial & Meet the Maker

Hey! How’ve you all been? Ready for Spring? Me too. I’m not good at small talk, so let’s skip that and go straight to the fun stuff!

If niche gifting is what you’re after, this site has got it covered. Present Indicative describe their site as “Thoughtful gifts for curious people”. Blood vessel embroidery? They’ve got it. Make your own catapult? Why not! Soft toys shaped like microbes? Who knew Amoebas where so cute. Being a music lover, I think one of my favourites is this musical domino set.

Gifts can be tricky, though; and gift cards are great, but can sometimes seem a bit boring to give… so how about making a fancy holder? All you need is a sheet of A4 paper. You can find full instructions here; it’s really simple, just a few basic folds! Add a ribbon if you’re feeling extra fancy. I bet you are. Go on, add a ribbon.

Over on Instagram, the lovely Joanne Hawker runs March Meet The Maker. A chance for makers and creatives to share their stories and find other makers and creatives! So why not pop over to Instagram and give the hashtag a follow? I’ll be joining in over on my Instagram account and sharing to Facebook too. 

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Craft General Origami Paper Tutorial

Origami gift card holder – step by step tutorial

Why not fancy up a gift card by whipping up one of these simple origami card holders?

All you need is a sheet of A4 paper! After every step, remember to check the fold is neat and then crease firmly. If you don’t have a creasing tool, you can use the back of your thumbnail. Ready?

  • If you’re using paper with a pattern or colour on one side, start with the plain side facing you.
  • Fold in half (from side to side).
  • Crease and unfold.
  • One side at a time, fold the left and right edges in to meet the centre crease, then unfold.
  • Taking each corner in turn, fold in to meet the crease made in the previous step, until all 4 corners are folded.
  • Now fold in the left and right edges in to meet in the middle again.
  • Turn the model over.
  • Fold in half, top to bottom – crease and unfold.
  • Take the bottom and fold up to just past the horizontal crease from the last step.
  • Next, do the same with the top – fold down so it overlaps slightly.
  • Now you should be able to tuck the top bit you’ve just folded down into the bottom bit…
  • And we’re done! A standard gift card should fit into one of the pockets, then you can fold it in half ready for gifting – add a ribbon if you’re feeling extra fancy!
How to make a simple origami gift card holder. Step by step tutorial with pictures.
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Origami Paper Tutorial

Easy Origami Rabbit Tutorial – Step By Step

I chose this for my next tutorial as 2023 is the Chinese year of the rabbit! There are lots of origami bunny tutorials; this is one of the simpler ones.

All you really need is some thin squares of paper and a pair of scissors.

If you make this out of double sided paper, the inside of the ears will be a different colour! Not got any? Use two thin sheets of different colours (that’s what I’ve done here).

Don’t forget to fold neatly and crease firmly – you can press the creases with the back of your thumb nail if you don’t have a creasing tool.

  • If you’re using two-colour paper, start with the colour you want the inside of the ears to be facing upwards.
  • Start with the paper in a diamond shape, with a corner pointing towards you.
  • Fold in half from top point to bottom, crease and unfold.
  • Take the bottom left sloping edge and fold in to meet the centre crease.
  • Do the same with the top left edge.
  • Take the right hand point – fold it back to meet the edge you’ve just made, then fold the tip back the other way so it sticks out over the flat edge a bit (this will be the tail!)
  • Flip the whole thing over.
  • Fold the left hand point over to the right, so it almost meets the flat edge.
  • Next, fold the whole thing in half, bringing the centre crease upwards and the edges down towards each other – it’s easier if you pick it up to do this (see last picture).
  • Now we’re going to make the ears! At the moment, they look like they’re laying along the rabbit’s back.
  • Hold the bottom of the model in one hand and gently bring the points of the ears up with the other.
  • Stop when the back of the ears are roughly perpendicular to the base. Crease well.
  • Ok – so the next step involves separating the ears! Take a pair of scissors and very carefully snip down the centre crease between the ears, being careful not to cut all the way down.
  • To give the ears a bit more shape – stick your finger in them 😂 You can open them out a bit at the bottom, which will show the contrasting paper (if you’ve used it).
  • Lastly, lay the model down and go over all the creases on the body one last time.
  • Bunny is finished! Stand bunny up.
  • 🐇
Categories
Craft Origami Paper Tutorial

Simple step-by-step origami boat tutorial

Simple origami boat tutorial

This simple origami boat is a fun model to fold. Use a fairly thin square of paper, and remember to fold neatly and crease firmly after each step.

  • Start with your paper square as shown above. If you don’t have a creasing tool, you can use the back of your thumb nail to help crease. We’ll be folding it horizontally then vertically to start with, creating a grid of quarters. Ready?
  • Fold in half from side to side, making sure the edges line up; crease and unfold.
  • Do the same thing, this time folding the other way, to create the horizontal fold; crease and open up fully.
  • You should be left with folds dissecting the paper into neat quarters.
  • Turning the paper 90 degrees, fold the bottom point under and up to meet the top point.
  • The next picture shows how the creases sit.
  • Take the bottom point and fold it up to meet the centre.
  • Do the same with the top point, so they meet in the middle.
  • Next, fold the left point into the centre…
  • …then fold this point back, but instead of folding from the original crease, fold a little way in from that.
  • The next step can be a bit fiddly, but the previous folds will help you out! Pick the model up and press gently in the centre; the middle should go down and the outside edges should come up!
  • Gently press the bottom together to encourage the creases – you’re after a big triangle at the bottom and 2 smaller triangles at the top.
  • Once your model looks right, press and crease all the folds well.
  • Lastly, fold the bottom point back to form the bottom of your boat. If you get it just right, it should stand up by itself!

Hope you enjoyed this model. They look great in different sizes to make a whole fleet.

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Craft Origami Paper Tutorial

Tutorial: Simple origami bat

This simple origami bat is fun and quick to make and makes great decorations for Halloween. All you need is a square of thin-ish paper.

Remember, with origami you need to fold neatly and crease each fold firmly as you make them.

  • Start with the square of paper in a ‘diamond’.
  • Fold in half horizontally, bottom corner to top corner.
  • Fold in half vertically, bringing the left point over to the right point.
  • Open up the last step.
  • Fold the bottom edge up, but not all the way – just so there’s just a small triangle of the underneath layer showing.
  • Fold this little triangle down, over the edge you folded up in the last step.
  • Pick the model up and fold in half, backwards along the central crease, wing tip to wing tip.
  • Now you just need to fold the wings up! Fold the top wing only, by taking the outside point towards you and up, so the bottom edge is now in line with the central crease from the previous step.
  • Turn the model over and repeat the last step with the other wing…
  • …open out the wings slightly and you’ve got yourself a bat!

You can experiment with adding more folds in the wings to make different bats. Made this model? Share it on social media and tag me in your pics.

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General

Summer Bloggin’

Summer is here (well, most of the time – it is England after all), the bees are buzzing, the days are long… things are starting to feel a bit more normal. Breathe in, breathe out, and take a look at this months’ offerings.

Sometimes you make something and you think “This is the best thing ever!! Everyone will love these! I will make looooooads!” That’s what happened with these origami and resin necklaces. Each animal is folded from a small square of colourful origami paper, then set in resin. They’ve been placed on a pendant with a white background, so they stand out whatever you’re wearing. Guys, I hold my hand up; I may have gone overboard and made too many! So, I’m having a clear out and they’re available from my Etsy shop at 25% off, making them a bargainous £12 – they’ll then settle at £14 if there are any left over. Get ’em before they’re gone!

Getting out in nature is so good for us; it’s great for mental health and general wellbeing. It can also be a wonderful source of inspiration. Get yourself outside into a green space, breathe deep, and take some time to look around you – really look around, taking time to notice the small things; the big things; the different greens; the splashes of colour… you could even take a notebook to sketch or write.

We all know we need to be using less plastic and to start cutting out single-use plastics altogether. But where do you start? It can seem really overwhelming… so having a shop like Food For Thought is fantastic! Run by the lovely Kerry, this zero waste shop is based in Nene Court, Wellingborough (where else, right?). Head to the website for tips on reducing & reusing, plus a stock list of all the things you can refill there. If you’re not local to Northamptonshire, it’s worth taking a look to check for similar shops in your local area. Start by aiming to swap one thing a month and take it from there.

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Craft Origami Paper Tutorial

Tutorial: Upcycled paper bags

I’ve made gift bags similar to this from old sheet music, but they are great made from old magazines. 

You can easily make this simple upcycled version yourself, all you need is an old magazine page and some tape. If you’re after something fancier, you can use any nice sheet of paper you like (A4 works well) and instead of taping, overlap the edges slightly and glue them down for a neat finish.

  • Lay your page out landscape
  • Fold one side in to the middle (you needn’t be exact) and run your thumb over the fold to crease well.
  • Fold in the other edge so that it meets the first one.
  • Tape it up, right the way from top to bottom (or overlap slightly and glue).
  • Fold up the bottom – roughly a quarter, but again, it needn’t be exact.
  • Open up the bottom section you’ve just folded over…
  • …then squash each corner down in turn, so they make triangles.
  • Fold the edges of the bottom section to meet each other in the middle.
  • Tape it up! Again, you can overlap slightly and glue at this point- just make sure you’ve glued the edges well, as this forms the bottom of the bag.
  • Ta da! Done! Stick your hand in (carefully) to open it out; the bottom should make a nice flat base.

Once you get going, they’re really quick to make. They make great bags for small gifts instead of using wrapping paper; they look so colourful!

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Craft Origami Paper Tutorial

Origami heart tutorial

Origami heart tutorial

This origami heart is simple to fold, so it’s a good model for beginners. Use them to decorate handmade cards or gift tags.

As with all origami tutorials, my two main rules are fold neatly and crease firmly.

  • Lay your square of paper so it’s like a diamond.
  • Fold in half, point to point, crease and unfold.
  • Do the same again, folding in half the other way.
  • You’ll be left with vertical and horizontal lines running from corner to opposite corner.
  • Fold the top corner down to meet the central crease where the lines cross.
  • Take the bottom corner and fold up so it meets the flat top edge (made in the last step).
  • One side at a time, fold the outer corners up, so the bottom edge meets the central crease (the corner point will now be at the top).
  • You should now have a rough heart shape.
  • Turn the model over and fold in the 4 top points very slightly, to create a more rounded heart shape.
  • Crease these well so they stay in place and turn the model back over.
  • You’re done!
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